Global markets edged higher on Friday as investors watched for updates on US-Iran peace talks, boosting hopes of easing tensions in energy markets.
Dow futures rose 0.3%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.3%. Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.5% as traders reacted to signs of progress in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Oil prices remained volatile. Brent crude jumped 2.4% to around $105 per barrel, while WTI crude rose 1.9% near $98. Despite Friday’s rebound, Brent is still down more than 4% this week, and WTI has lost over 7% amid uncertainty over a possible deal. Markets remain focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that handles more than 20% of global energy supplies. Ongoing disputes over Iran’s uranium stockpile and control of the strait continue to cloud negotiations.
European stocks also moved higher, with the STOXX 600 index gaining 0.5%, while Germany’s DAX added 0.7% after stronger-than-expected economic data showed the country’s economy grew 0.3% in Q1 2026. Meanwhile, investors are increasingly worried that elevated oil prices could fuel inflation and keep central banks hawkish for longer. Markets now expect possible Federal Reserve rate hikes later this year instead of earlier forecasts for rate cuts. In crypto markets, new research from Glassnode revealed that over 6 million Bitcoin — worth roughly $469 billion — could eventually face risks from future quantum computing attacks if the technology advances rapidly. Brokers to trade global markets:HF Markets
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